The following
review was written by Brandon Towns, a Chicago high school student, as part of
Columbia College Chicago’s Columbia Links journalism program for high school
students. RogerEbert.com has partnered with the Chicago Urban League and
Columbia Links to mentor these students and to give them a platform for their
writing. Read more about the program here.
“Smile”
Directed by Marquis
Daisy
3.5 stars
“Smile” is a hard watch.
This emotional documentary throws you into the lives of the Newtons, a Chicago family
living in the inner city as they reflect on a tragic moment in their family’s
history. The film’s uncompromising story will bring tears to your eyes and make
you want to call your siblings afterwards. A strong sense of family is present
throughout this filmic journey as we travel into the Newton’s world.
In the beginning of “Smile,” we’re introduced
into this family as they go through their daily lives on the violent streets of
Chicago’s South Side, often referred to as “Chiraq.” Director Marquis Daisy widens our gaze as he explores beyond
the Newton family into the community. The environment and condition of the
neighborhood become evident during each interview with its residents. With
great imagery, the audience can envision the struggling livelihood in the
community as its residents are engulfed by violence. The image of gunshot
wounds overlaid with voiceovers from interviews such as Mary Whitehorn, who was
an innocent bystander shot while going to the grocery store, or Laniel
Richardson, who compares Chicago to Al-Qaeda. Director Daisy transitions
between the family and community effortlessly through seamless editing.
However, this film isn’t
without its flaws. The voiceover feels out
of place and takes away from the tone of the film. There are several frames
repeated as well as a few back focusing issues. Audio was also an issue for a
few moments of this film, although there is brilliance in the editing, once
again proving Daisy’s cleverness.
Brief black breaks
create an ease from the tension or a safe haven. These breaks also become a
transition between emotions as we watch this family break down in front of us.
The shift back and forth builds a sense of unease. This contributes to the
story because the viewer becomes entangled in the lives of the Newtons, as well
as those in the community. You are no longer the distanced observer, watching
this film about strangers. You become a participant, a family member.
This film is powerful
because you experience the growth of the Newtons. You laugh with them through the
good times and cry with them during the bad times. Daisy uses close-up of old
family Polaroid pictures to represent the passage of time and to further
develop the Newtons. This small visual aid provides a greater emotional
response when the plot unfolds and we slowly discover their loss.
“Smile” is a thought-provoking
documentary with a strong message about family strength and endurance. This
film is timeless.
